Amaechi sacks commissioner for Jan 1 fire

The New Year Day fire at a dump site in Gambia Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has led to the sack of the Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Wogu.

He was replaced by Omunakwe Dickson, whose name will be sent to the House of Assembly for confirmation.

The Ministry of Special Duties oversees the fire service stations. Many residents have complained of lack of modern fire fighting equipment.

Fire fighters from the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC) eventually put out the fire, but Government House sources said the complaint of lack of water angered Amaechi, who described the attitude of the firemen as shameful.

The sacked commissioner yesterday, in a telephone interview, said he had taken his sack in good faith.

He thanked Amaechi for giving him the opportunity to serve the state.

Wogu denied the claims of lack of water, noting that four of the fire station’s trucks were sent for refurbishing and that he called the oil companies for assistance.

He said: “It is not true that lack of water caused the inability of firemen to respond to the distress calls by victims of the fire at Gambia Street as being insinuated by some people.

“I have not been told of the reason for my removal. That is the way I heard it too. I went to my village in Omuma for New Year Day celebration and had to rush back to Port Harcourt, when I heard about the fire and moved to the scene for thorough assessment.

“While leaving my village, I called the firemen to move to the scene, but I was told the trucks were bad.

“Four of the trucks are being refurbished by the contractor. I then contacted the oil companies and Agip assisted in putting out the fire.

“The available drivers could not drive the two trucks with eight gears.

“The two trucks with regular gears had clutch and brake problems and were being repaired.

“Governor Amaechi asked me for a report on the incident. He told me to bring it to him yesterday.

“I was working on the report, when some of my colleagues, who were at the swearing-in of the six permanent secretaries, phoned me and told me about my removal.

“I put in my best in serving my state.

“I am surprised that some people are accusing me of dereliction of duty.

“I am very grateful to His Excellency, for giving me the opportunity to serve.